Finding Savings in 2020!

This post is sponsored by Optum Perks but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Life is bonkers right now, but at the same time I feel like I'm kind of finding my way in this 'new normal'. I'm adjusting, I suppose; I've found a new hobby in gardening, I've spent whole afternoons huddled up in blanket forts playing with my toddler, I've run through sprinklers like a kid again. I've also done more adult things like reorganizing my office, sorting through and donating clothes, and I even started redoing our budget.

While redoing our budget and trying to save us some cash, I found some really interesting new ways to save - Optum Perks is one of the ways that I feel like would be valuable to almost everyone. We ALL have taken prescription meds at some point, right? I mean, we all know the costs usually associated with these medications and now... we all can use Optum Perks to save, of course - prices are subject to change over time!

What exactly is Optum Perks? From antibiotics to your daily meds, Optum Perks will help you save some cash and provide you with a prescription coupon to save on almost all FDA-approved medications, outside of your insurance plan! Not only is it amazing that you can save, it's super easy to work the website to find a coupon. All you have to do is take 3 SUPER easy steps: search for your medications, find a deal that suits you, and save when you pick up your prescription from the pharmacy! I saved so much on a prescription - a full $18!

Want to save up to 80% on your prescriptions? With no memberships, no fees, and access to almost all pharmacies (including over 64,000+ nationwide)! Speaking of pharmacies, I know we all are weary to go 'inside' a store right now - luckily you can still use the savings from Optum Perks in the drive-through pharmacy too! Just present this card & get your prescription savings!

Beyond medication savings, I've also been utilizing these different ways of finding savings:

• I'm using our banking app to add "coupons" via our card and we've scored a few rebates that way! I've also set up a savings account and it automatically saves for us by rounding up to the nearest dollar each time we spend and inserting that in our savings account - such an easy way to make sure we are storing away some cash in this crazy time in our life.
• Instead of paying for multiple music services we usually used in the car, we decided to cancel those and started using a piano teaching app instead. So we cut back on entertainment spending and we all are learning a new skill out of the deal too!
• Lastly, we have officially learned to be adults and started meal planning a little better. Instead of just buying blindly and making what we have, we've started planning ahead for meals and saving on groceries by hunting for deals while shopping online!

So tell me, what have you been up to during this time of change? How have you been saving some change? I'm eager to hear how this new way of life is going for you!

Finding Joy & Giving Grace During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As we all know, life has been crazy lately.

I personally am in a constant mixture of high stress and finding comfort in a "new normal", as you likely are as well.

Between hearing the news ramble on and on about statistics, to discussing it all with skeptical and also hysterical friends, to seeing startling numbers roll along on the ticker tape bottom of the screen, then following that up with personal accounts of terror (and also joy) via social media... it's all been overwhelming. I'm basically just a walking exclamation of "What... The... Eff" a majority of the time!

While I'm struggling regularly and fairly confused on what's to come, we as a family have spent the past week doing things we should have been doing all along.



We've went for walks almost daily, we've spent time running through our sprinkler in the backyard, we've played so many board games I've lost count, we've busted out the sidewalk chalk, gone on Virtual Reality field trips. We have spent true quality time together and it's been beautiful.

While taking care of our family in this way has been amazing, I've also pampered myself too! I've spoiled myself while self-quarantining with lengthy baths, I've spent more time praying than I think I have in my entire lifetime, and I've found a pace for my work that seems sustainable. I'm also going to begin journaling again and I've decided to attempt to bust out my old paint stuff to express myself there as well.

I'm not saying this Pandemic has been joyful, because that would be insensitive and frankly, I'm missing "normal", but I will say I've found some joy among the terror.

I've found moments where I sit back and admire my blessings. I've found joy in the way my daughter giggles in a wild way whenever we play a game and she is winning. I just love the way my dogs light up when they see us put on our shoes to go for a walk and I've found a real adoration for the way my husband smiles as he hands me my vitamins and espresso in the morning. I'm trying to see the glimmers of normal, I'm trying to embrace the rays of happiness while this grey cloud is looming overhead.

And with all of that said, finding comfort in a Pandemic doesn't make much sense.

Here's the thing, nothing makes sense right now. We're all learning to cope... we're all learning to just be within this new life of ours. This is our first time being in this state of mind, most of us have never faced something of this magnitude and a majority of us are just scared.

Some of us are ordered to "shelter-in-place", some of our states are free to roam, and all of us are going through something we haven't ever been through before.

No matter how you're feeling. Whether it's thankful, angry, grateful, or anxious -
give yourself some grace today, this week, and frankly, for the rest of your lifetime.

Also, STAY HOME.
Said with love.

Creative and Cheap Valentine Inspiration: Being Your Valentine is a Piece of Cake Valentine Freebie Printable

This post contains affiliate links, that just means I make a small commission if you decide to buy after clicking through on my link. It doesn't charge you anything, but allows me to help my family!

Getting ready for Valentine's Day last minute this year? Here's a super cute Valentine idea for anyone in your life and it's a "piece of cake" to prepare - grab this printable and a squishy from Dollar Tree (or even a cupcake from the grocery store) and leave this on your Valentine's table.

I love this cute valentine piece of cake squishy for so many reasons - I mean, it's adorable, so there's that - but it's also a great "stress reliever" and it's a clever way to remind someone you are thinking of them. It's truly a multi-functional valentine in many ways.

The best part of this little Valentine though, was The Dollar Store had so many different options! I loved that they had a million different cake squishies, that way you could give each teacher in your kiddos life one of these or even leave them on the secretaries desks at your work with THIS free printable.

If being with your Valentine is a piece of cake - then you absolutely need to give these out this year!

FREE PRINTABLE CAN BE FOUND HERE!

45 Healthy Coping Mechanisms - Teach Yourself & Your Child Healthy Ways to Cope

Life isn't always fair. I think we all grow up with this knowledge and yet, it's a hard lesson to learn for nearly everyone. No matter how perfect your life is, we've all dealt with set backs, disappointments, failures, and some of us have even suffered loss and trauma. Everyone has been through the "struggle" at some point, in differing measures, but we've all been effected. The thing is, some of us wear that stress and those failures for life and some of us have bounced back and live healthy productive lives. The choice is yours and it's all about how you COPE with the unfairness of life that makes the difference.

As you likely already know, "coping refers to the human behavioral process for dealing with demands, both internal and external, in situations that are perceived as threats" - according to the AlleyDog Psychology Glossary. Whether these threats are self-inflicted by our egos, or some troubling situation that has been imposed upon us by another - a threat is what we perceive as any form of stress, essentially.

Teaching ourselves and our children how to cope effectively will help us all to be a little less stressed and happier in our daily lives. While it's easier to talk the talk than walk the walk, I've compiled a list of 45 different ways you and your kiddos can learn to stress less and deal with the situation at hand in a positive and productive way, whatever that situation may be.

45 Healthy Coping Mechanisms

1. Ask for help

2. Go for a ride (or a walk)

3. Practice yoga

4. Create art

5. Practice gratitude

6. Blow bubbles

7. Listen to your favorite music

8. Use positive self talk

9. Journal

10. Hug a tree

11. Practice your sport of choice

12. Breathe deeply and mindfully

13. Eat a healthy snack

14. Drink water

15. Cuddle or play with your pooch

16. Be like Elsa & let it go

17. Smile and laugh out loud

18. Use essential oils

19. Bake something special

20. Use positive affirmations

21. Sing and dance

22. Take a nap

23. Take a shower or bath

24. Stretch

25. Learn something new

26. Read a book

27. Do something kind for the Earth

28. Look at old photos or take new ones

29. Garden

30. Visualize your happy place

31. Do a puzzle

32. Ask for a hug

33. Create origami

34. Clean something up

35. Jump around

36. Hang out in a hammock

37. Do something kind for a friend

38. Play a board game

39. Cry

40. Pray

41. Dance

42. Watch a movie

43. Lay in the sun

44. Plan something for the future

45. Scream

Fight & Cure Viruses This Winter with Remedies That Actually Work - Fight the 2020 Flu Bug!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.

There's a pretty gnarly flu bug floating around the nation, we managed to catch it while flying back home to see family and we've fighting it since.

It basically took our house hostage, for over a week, but I am finally adjusting back to life without waking up hacking every night again, D is still fighting her cough but mostly her normal self, and hubby is still recovering - but overall we BEAT the bug and I wanted to share how since we know what a doozy this really is.

This flu is different than others, we actually never got the elevated fever but had all the other symptoms to a tee. So know that if you don't have all the "influenza" symptoms, that you may still have the flu - or a similar virus.

If you're currently fighting it, know that "this too shall pass" and persevere... and this is a given, but if your symptoms become abnormally bad be sure to visit your doctor too!



With that said, let me start by saying, I'm not a medical professional - BUT this is what worked for us:

1. Electrolyte Water to help keep your body hydrated, even when nothing else sounds good.

2. Elderberry Syrup to help boost your immune system (for the family).

3. Zinc Tablets to help shorten the symptoms (only for the parents).

4. Emergen-c or Airborne drink mix to offer immune support and boost your vitamin C, allowing your body to fight off the virus quickly.

5. Essential Oils are a must, we set up our diffuser and use some of our favorites from Eden's Garden to help make breathing easier (be careful with oils and research before use).

6. Cool Mist Humidifier is a necessity, if you are dealing with a cough. I would not have been able to sleep without ours and it has helped ease D's symptoms as well.

7. Fresh Cool Air is a given, but something that helped our family greatly. Any time D is experiencing a rough night, one of the first things I do is step out on our back porch and let her take some deep breaths. It always helps calm her coughing fits and my own as well.

8. Steam Showers on the other hand, have also helped us immensely. Without steam showers I don't think any of us would've been able to sleep this week.

9. Theraflu pods were a life saver for myself. D obviously can't drink these, but being able to have one of these warm drinks (with some meds also in it) seriously healed me so quick. I went from being miserable to feeling human within an hour, every single time I drank one.

10. Rest is another given for fighting the bug, but one that truly helped our family so it's something I feel I need to mention.

11. Nose Frieda is a nose suction device that your kid will HATE, but will make them feel better within seconds. We suction D's nose and she can instantly breath easier, even if she is fuming mad.

12. Similasan Kids Cough & Cold Relief was another life saver for us with D. We have both the day & night formulas now and swear by this brand, it's a natural cough syrup that has helped her in the past but especially helped fight this bug and it's safe for any kiddo ages 2+.

So tell me, have you caught this terrible bug that's been spreading like crazy across the nation? I hope not, but if you have - I'd love to hear how you "survived" it and what helped you the most!

And to those of you that encourage others to get the flu shot, that's your choice - but it's one we opt out of year after year, after contracting a terrible case of the flu after receiving the shot years back. I'm not saying anything against others who choose to get it, we just don't in our house and even after experiencing the flu again - I still hold true to my decision.

30 Things to Let Go Of So You Can Live a Happier, Healthier, More Productive Life!

Letting things go can be hard at times, but letting these 30 things go will be life changing for you.

Things to let go of in 2020:

1. Comparing yourself to others.
2. Feeling sorry for yourself.
3. Spending money on items you don't need.
4. Being obsessed with viewing others "perfect" social media lives.
5. Fearing the unknown and the anxiety that comes with that fear.
6. Holding on to hurt.
7. Putting off vacation.
8. Feeling jealous.
9. Toxic relationships.
10. Waiting for the "right time".
11. The need to control every detail of everything.
12. relying on others to make you feel complete.
13. Avoiding the real world.
14. Keeping up with the Jones'.
15. Your hesitation to enjoy life to the fullest.
16. Creating unrealistic expectations for yourself.
17. Fearing failure.
18. Living in the past.
19. Worrying about what others think about you.
20. Living a disorganized life.

21. Trying to control the people around you.
22. Being TOO busy for everything.
23. Analyzing and picking apart situations.
24. Trying to fit in.
25. Blaming others for your problems.
26. Friends who don't care about your best interests.
27. Avoiding change.
28. Being afraid to BE you!
29. Holding on to useless items.
30. Avoiding the truth.

The Best of The Best - Podcasts You NEED to Be Listening To!

So I'm late to the game but I'm so obsessed with podcasts lately, from binge-listening while working to trying to sneak in a few minutes while D is running around outside with her dad in the mornings -  I'm constantly listening.

I personally tend to listen via itunes on my computer and on my old school ipod, but I know there's all kinds of apps you can use to listen to your favorites on. This list can all be found on itunes, but I know several of these shows are available on other platforms as well!

Beyond HOW you listen, I know a few of you are wondering why should you listen? The main reason I can give you, is that these shows are life changing... all in different ways!

So let's get started with the best of the best... (and be on the look out for more of these "best" lists in the future)



1. My Favorite Murder - HILARIOUS... and outrageous. Murder and comedy don't seem like they would tangle together well, but these two genius ladies have created a cult-like following and the most epic podcast. If you like true crime, start with episode one and listen through. I'm only about 130 episodes in... but I'm in awe of these ladies and their comedic talents and their story telling abilities.

2. Creative Processing with Joseph Gordon Levitt - Another genius creation, made by the famous man, JGL. He has done so much with his life, always finding a way to help others express creativity and this podcast is just another epic creation. He interviews some amazing people and gets their input on challenging questions posed by his audience. I enjoyed listening to every episode in his first season and long to hear season two, ASAP!

3. Raising Good Humans - If you're a parent, this podcast is going to be LIFE for you. Get parenting tips and be the best mama (or dada) to your little one with the helpful advice she offers. From handling tantrums to helping kids learn, I love her input on challenging parts of parenthood.

4. Seriously, Let's Be F***ing Honest - While this podcaster 100% has a potty mouth, she can help you learn to be a better you... starting at episode one. Give it a listen... and let's get honest about a little bit of everything.

5. Office Ladies - If you love The Office, you will LOVE this podcast. Angela and Pam changing up the game... and making podcasts even more hilarious.

6. The Expand Your Awareness Podcast - If you like mindfulness and learning about complex theories, this may be the podcast for you. I've questioned the world around me after listening to episodes of this and that's exactly why I love it.

7. The Business Life & Joy Podcast - This podcast is seriously life changing for small business owners and/or bloggers. She's so knowledgeable and encouraging - it's definitely worth a listen if you are ready to make some changes and lead a happier life.

8. Great Women of Business - I didn't expect to love this podcast as much as I did. It has limited episodes, but OH MY LANTA, it's amazing. Learning about so many amazing women and the way they have succeeded, through all kinds of struggles. It's truly encouraging and something every woman needs to hear.

9. The One You Feed - This was my hubby's recommendation, but it's also another inspiring podcast that makes you think. Whether you're analyzing deep thoughts along with him or wondering how you can change the world, this podcast is different and enchanting. I promise you'll enjoy it.

10. The RobCast - This one is definitely one I knew I would love immediately, without question. I first head Rob Bell preaching back in my high school days. He shared messages that were DIFFERENT, he wasn't demeaning or condemning, but optimistic and eager to teach... and that changed my life. Now that he isn't on stage, but still behind a mic, nothing has changed. Listening to the RobCast has been a learning experience, over and over again, each time I press play.

11. Crime Junkie-Another one to check out if you are a tru crime fanatic is Crime Junkie. This was the first podcast I ever binge-listened to and it'll always be one of my favorites. It's much more serious than most of my other favorites but it's been one that keeps me coming back again and again for each episode.

Beyond that, I know there are HUNDREDS more that I need to hear... so tell me, what is your favorite podcast to listen to?

Fall Food Essentials You NEED This Season!

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx, 

regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

It's officially fall, in most areas of the country, anyways... We've been lucky enough to have a few cool days here in Florida and I'm fully embracing it. We've busted out our sweaters and boots and we're READY for it. With the weather slightly changing and the days getting shorter, this has to be one of my all-time favorite seasons of the year - even if we don't necessarily get the freezing cold.

I love to bust out the pumpkin spice and pull out recipes that leave me feeling full and ready to hibernate. This year, I'm embracing the change in seasons and spoiling my family with a box of goodies from Babbleboxx that make me love this season even more than I already did.

Want to hear what came in this fantastic fall Babbleboxx? I'm sure you do... it's all so good!

We'll start with the Organic Herbal Flavored Waters from Trader Joe's. With Organic Lemon Ginger and Organic Lemongrass Spearmint, made from organic herbal extracts, it's easy to see why I've become a big fan and will be adding these hydrating forms of h2o to our regular shopping list.

The subtle flavors are just enough to add some zing, making these easy to drink and quenching my thirst. I'm also ready to guzzle these down because they are so incredibly CLEAN! With zero calories, zero sugar, and zero sweeteners added and being USDA certified organic, I can drink all the flavored water I want without worrying about ruining my diet. Grab a couple of these Lemon Ginger and Lemongrass Spearment flavored waters the next time you stop into Trader Joe's.

On the same token of having to worry less, the Negg has eased my worries and it is a complete lifesaver. Instead of taking forever to peel hard boiled eggs for recipes, I'm able to quickly complete the task with my Negg. Peeling eggs with this gadget seriously couldn't be easier, just add water and shake... and your egg is naked! So who wants Deviled Eggs?

I'm swimming in peeled eggs now that I have this epic peeler and I'm guaranteeing you this is one of those devices you'll love and want to use again and again!

Speaking of wanting to use something again and again, Babbleboxx sent a recipe book over that I'll obviously be using repeatedly. The Noodle Soup Oracle: Hundreds of Possibilities for the World's Favorite Comfort Food, is full of delicious recipes that involve so many different amazing toppings, but more specifically you'll have a couple of AMAZING ways to use the naked eggs.

This isn't a typical soup cookbook though, it's a lot more mix-and-match, first you choose your noodles, next your soup, then add your proteins and choose your veggies and any other toppings you may want as well. This book walks you through it all and helps you find the perfect pairings. Whether you're looking for a hearty, homey meal or something charming to find your sweetie, I promise this book has you covered and you'll find a delicious recipe within!

Speaking of having you covered regarding a recipe, this meal I whipped up for D and myself is definitely one I'm proud of. We both love cuddling up with a good bowl of pasta and I love sneaking veggies in her diet, so making this recipe with Ragu Creamy Alfredo with Cauliflower was a no-brainer.

She LOVED her "cheesy noodles" and scarfed it down quicker than most meals, unknowingly eating cauliflower! I loved the ease of just opening up the jar of delicious Ragu, making noodles, chopping up bacon, and adding sun-dried tomatoes. I mean, I made a truly gourmet meal in just a few minutes - that's a real win in this house!

Want to give this yummy sauce a try and maybe squeeze more veggies into your diet? It's apparently only available at Walmart, so grab a jar of the New Ragu Creamy Alfredo with Cauliflower on your next trip!

Last but certainly not least, the fruitons! I'm a huge fan of fruitons now because they are a super easy (and delicious) way to add real fruit to your diet. Flavorful, nutritious, and convenient. Whether I'm adding the cherries to salads, ice cream, and granola, it's always a hit in this house. With Tomatoes being a fruit, you better believe I was stoked to add Sun-dried tomatoes to everything, but our favorite way to use the sun-dried tomatoes is inside pasta and salads, these add the perfect flavor to every dish though. Looking for a simple way to eat healthier? Start with fruitons!

Who else is fall OBSESSED? Tell me your favorite way to indulge in the season... or share your favorite fall-inspired recipe in the comments below!

Epic Deals on Amazon!

Just a friendly reminder, I'm an Amazon Affiliate. This means when you make a purchase from Amazon, I make a tiny bit of money from you using my links. It's not adding to your total, just giving me a tiny percentage for 'referring' you! So happy shopping, ladies and gentlemen!

Any other Amazon addicted mamas out there? I literally spend hours browsing for the best deals and love finding awesome prices on items I would be buying anyways... so today I thought I'd share some STELLAR deals with you... on a little bit of everything.

This DEAL on a full and beautiful Christmas tree has me DYING! 80% off when you add to cart and go to check out - making it $30!

 This deal on a portable waterproof speaker is mind blowing! It's 70% off... and while it says it's sold out, you can buy now and it'll be delivered soon! Save money and get an awesome way to listen to your tunes - at just $15 grab a few and give them out to your friends!

Need a new comforter? Here's the cutest pinch pleated comforter in both a gorgeous shade of grey and teal for just $14.50! This deal is too good to pass up!

Does your kiddo need a coat for winter? This deal is UNREAL! With 80% savings, this checks out at just $8 and a few pennies for the cutest puffy jacket! Buy one now... and stay warm all winter long!

Another item for kids that's bound to be a hit is these awesome kid friendly digital cameras! We got D a similar one for her 3rd birthday and she LOVES it... she's definitely a little budding photographer and I bet your little one will be too! These beauties are 50% making them under $20 and perfect for tiny little artists!

Fellow Floridians will want to grab one of these adorable Fleece jackets that are 80% off right now, making them only $5! I want for D in every color but Grey is on the top of my list, check out the light blue, hot pink, and light pink!

Want to treat yourself to something different? I've recently become a huge fan of dermarolling or microneedling and this set is SUCH a good deal - you have to give it a try! It helps your skin produce collagen and it also helps products get into your pores - which is a must when trying to keep your skin looking young. Get this beauty for 10% off today!

Love this post? Want more epic deals? Let me know and I'll keep adding more to the blog so you can shop and save easily!

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